A powerful explosion at a firecrackers manufacturing unit in Kattanarpatti Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu has left more than 16 workers feared dead and several others seriously injured, according to police officials.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. In a message shared on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the explosion.
The incident occurred when around 30 workers were engaged in routine manufacturing activities inside the facility. Authorities said the blast was so intense that parts of the building collapsed, trapping workers under the debris and triggering panic in the surrounding area.
Emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, rushed to the site shortly after the explosion. Rescue operations are currently underway, with personnel working to clear debris and search for survivors. Ambulances have been deployed to shift the injured to nearby hospitals, where some are reported to be in critical condition.
Police officials stated that the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, though preliminary indications suggest it may have been triggered during the handling of explosive materials used in firecracker production. A detailed investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
Local authorities have cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue efforts and prevent further risk. Senior officials are expected to visit the site, and more details are likely to emerge as the rescue and investigation progress.
